Make-Ahead Spaghetti Sauce for Freezing
There’s nothing better than a rich and flavorful spaghetti sauce to elevate your pasta dishes. However, making a homemade sauce every time you want to enjoy a bowl of spaghetti can be time-consuming. That’s why having a make-ahead spaghetti sauce that can be frozen for future use is a game-changer. With a little prep work, you can have a batch of delicious sauce ready to go whenever a craving strikes.
The beauty of make-ahead spaghetti sauce is that you can make a large batch and portion it out for future use. This not only saves time and effort but also ensures you always have a delicious sauce on hand for those busy weeknights when cooking from scratch is just not an option.
To make a make-ahead spaghetti sauce that freezes well, it’s important to use quality ingredients and give it enough time to simmer and develop flavor. The longer the sauce cooks, the more the flavors will meld and intensify, resulting in a rich and satisfying sauce.
Below is a simple and versatile spaghetti sauce recipe that is perfect for make-ahead freezing. It can be customized to suit your taste preferences, and it’s a great base for adding in additional ingredients such as ground meat, mushrooms, or extra herbs.
Make-Ahead Spaghetti Sauce Recipe:
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
– 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until they are soft and translucent.
2. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, and then add the dried oregano, basil, thyme, sugar, salt, and pepper.
3. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Once the sauce has cooked and the flavors have melded, let it cool completely.
5. Once the sauce has cooled, portion it out into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Be sure to leave some headspace in the containers or bags to allow for expansion during freezing.
6. Label the containers with the date and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to use the sauce, simply thaw it in the refrigerator or in a bowl of cold water, and then reheat it in a pot on the stove. It can be used as a base for spaghetti, lasagna, or any other pasta dish that calls for a rich and flavorful tomato sauce.
Having a make-ahead spaghetti sauce in the freezer is not only convenient, but it also allows you to enjoy homemade Italian flavors with minimal effort. With this recipe, you can create a delicious and versatile sauce that will take your pasta dishes to the next level. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want to have a quick and tasty meal on hand, make-ahead spaghetti sauce is a game-changer for any home cook.